Colchester

Colchester is an historic town in the north of the English county of Essex, with a population of about 160,000. It is the main town in the borough of Colchester, is one of the towns which claim to be Britain's oldest town (but is the oldest recorded Roman town).

Oyster Feast

Rights to the Colchester oyster fishery were granted by Richard I in the royal charter of 1189. The "Colchester Natives" (the native oyster, Ostrea Edulis) are world famous. They graced the tables of the Czar's court in St Petersburg, and the finest restaurants in Paris.

Related Topics:
Oyster - Richard I - 1189 - St Petersburg - Paris

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The oyster fishery is officially "opened" on the first Friday of September each year. The Mayor of Colchester, the Town Clerk, and the Town Sergeant take passage on an oyster dredger out into the Pyefleet Channel of the Colne estuary off Mersea Island, in full civic regalia. A flotilla of small boats carrying invited guests follows the Mayor out into the channel. Oaths are sworn, pledging devotion to the monarch. The Mayor dredges and consumes the first oyster of the season. The Mayor and guests then proceed to an oyster lunch which celebrates the opening of the fishery.

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On the last Friday in October each year, the Mayor of Colchester hosts a grand civic Oyster Feast in the Moot Hall. The feast dates to the 14th century. The feast is attended by civic dignitaries from around the nation, and worthies from the world of arts and entertainment. The Mayor also invites Colchester citizens who are active in local charities, civic bodies, and good causes. There is a public lottery to ensure that every citizen of the borough has the chance to attend this prestigious event.

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In recent years the Colchester Labour Party and Trades Council have organised an "Alternative Oyster Feast" to provide a hearty meal and enjoyable entertainment for the town's pensioners.

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